A back to school survival kit activity to kick off the new school year. Have each young women read a quote that matches an item to add to their survival kit. Each girl goes home with her own make up bag filled with goodies!
Many have gone back to school already, but here in Virginia we don't start until after Labor Day. The girls in the youth group that I work with requested to do a back to school activity and I thought it would be fun to come up with something to kick off the new year on a positive note. I made a quick trip to Dollar Tree and found everything that I needed!
Back to School Survival Kit
Aren't these bags cute? They had them in 4 different styles. I liked the flamingo and pineapple ones best. They were the perfect size to hold all of the goodies for back to school survival kit activity. This activity would work in any youth group, young women age group, and would even make a fun family activity. Serve apple slices with dip for a fun treat!
5 More Activities For Activity Days or Young Women
The gist of our back to School Survival Kits
Each bag will hold 12 items that relate to going back to school.
Each item has an inspirational quote to go with it (you can print the quotes using this link). I used some of the quotes from this activity, but didn't want the majority of the items to be food-related so I came with the rest on my own and paired them with some of my favorite quotes.
Before the activity, divide all of the items into their own individual bags. Place the corresponding quote inside (print quotes here).
At the back to school survival kit activity, have each girl go up to the front and read the quote that goes with her item. As a group, discuss how this quote is relevant to going back to school and allow time for the young women to share any personal experiences that they might have.
Example:
At the end of the activity they will each have a cosmetic bag filled with goodies and back to school items and 12 inspirational messages to remember as they head back to middle and high school.
Back to School Survival Kit Activity Items and Quotes
Lip Gloss: Before you speak, THINK. Is it TRUE? Is it HELPFUL? Is it NICE? Is it KIND?
"When it comes to hating, gossiping, ignoring, ridiculing, holding grudges or wanting to cause harm, please apply the following: Stop it!" Dieter F. Uchtdorf
Gum: stick to your principles even when things get hard. (Peer pressure, stress)
"When you keep the commandments and follow the Savior’s example, it’s like holding up a light. Your good example helps others to find their way in a darkening world. It takes courage to do what you know to be right even when it is hard, very hard. But you will never lose your courage unless you choose to." Sister Ardeth G. Kapp
Pen: You are writing the story of your life...What does your story tell?Encourage girls to use their time wisely and for good. To keep sight on the important things.
"My dear brothers and sisters, we would do well to slow down a little, proceed at the optimum speed for our circumstances, focus on the significant, lift up our eyes, and truly see the things that matter most. Let us be mindful of the foundational precepts our Heavenly Father has given to His children that will establish the basis of a rich and fruitful mortal life with promises of eternal happiness. They will teach us to do “all these things … in wisdom and order; for it is not requisite that [we] should run faster than [we have] strength. [But] it is expedient that [we] should be diligent, [and] thereby … win the prize.” Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf
Smarties Candy: Be a “smartie” and study hard! (Importance of gaining knowledge and continuing education throughout life)
"Secular knowledge and spiritual knowledge can complement each other. Because God created the earth and the things that inhabit it, studying geology, physics and biology teaches us more about the greatness of our Creator. Authors and poets can write with heavenly inspiration, so reading their work can give us insight into the nature of our souls and what it means to be human. Sometimes listening to a piece of music can help us feel God's love. Both secular knowledge and spiritual knowledge benefit from dialogue. Both require observation, work, and practice. So although we sometimes think of secular and spiritual as opposites or even as contradictory, a true knowledge of God and the world He created shows us that understanding one helps to understand the other." mormon.org/learning
Hand Sanitizer: Remember the cleansing principle of REPENTANCE!
"If any has stumbled in his journey, there is a way back. The process is called repentance. Our Savior died to provide you and me that blessed gift. Though the path is difficult, the promise is real: “Though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow” (Isaiah 1:18). President Thomas S. Monson
Glue stick: To remind you to stick to your goals. What are some goals you have set for this year?
"Accomplish personal goals in each of four categories . . . : spiritual development; physical development; educational, personal, and career development; and citizenship and social development." —Elder Robert D. Hales, "Fulfilling Our Duty to God," October 2001.
Eraser: Everyone makes mistakes. Be forgiving.
"Everyone has strengths and weaknesses. It’s wonderful that you have strengths. And it is part of your mortal experience that you do have weaknesses. God wants to help us to eventually turn all of our weaknesses into strengths, but He knows that this is a long-term goal. He wants us to become perfect, and if we stay on the path of discipleship, one day we will. It’s OK that you’re not quite there yet. Keep working on it, but stop punishing yourself. ...many of you are endlessly compassionate and patient with the weaknesses of others. Please remember also to be compassionate and patient with yourself." Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf
100 Grand Bar: Know your worth.
"Wherever you are, whatever your circumstances may be, you are not forgotten. No matter how dark your days may seem, no matter how insignificant you may feel, no matter how overshadowed you think you may be, your Heavenly Father has not forgotten you. In fact, He loves you with an infinite love. Just think of it: You are known and remembered by the most majestic, powerful, and glorious Being in the universe! You are loved by the King of infinite space and everlasting time!" Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf
Highlighter: find the bright spot in each day.
“Whether we are 8 or 108 we can bring the light of the gospel into our everyday environment.” Jean B. Bingham
Sticky Notes: to take note of all the fun times. Find joy in the journey! There will days that are hard, classes that you wish you didn’t have to take, days where people aren’t kind to you. Use these notes to write down the fun times or leave a note to brighten someone else’s day!
“Brothers and sisters, my sincere prayer is that we may adapt to the changes in our lives, that we may realize what is most important, that we may express our gratitude always and thus find joy in the journey.”
Paper clips: To help you keep it together this year. Stick to and lean on the Lord, your family, and your friends to help you. You are not in this alone!
“Keep going and the Lord will help you.” D. Todd Christofferson.
Tissues: To help you wipe away bad days.
“Tomorrow is a new day with no mistakes in it... Yet.”― L.M. Montgomery, Anne of Green Gables
These years are hard. These teens are going through so many changes, physically and emotionally. I wouldn't want to trade places with them unless I could go back knowing what I know now. Wouldn't that be awesome? To have the self confidence and wisdom to know that everything will be all right. Since that isn't a possibility, all we can do is support and love them.
Lana says
Love this and will be using it this week with the YW in my ward. Thanks for sharing!
Brandy says
You’re welcome! 🙂